Evening capital. (Annapolis, Md.) 1884-1910, 1887-01-20

Subject Of Discussion In the Presbyterian
Church Last Night.

Church Last Night.
On Hthe subject for discussion in the
Presbyterian Church last night. Speak
ing for Christ the pastor said:
The influence Of the man who can
converse iniclligenily and impressively on
the subject or religion is very great Such
man, some have thought. eau do more
good than the minister by his discourses
from the pulpit The Apostle speaks of
being won by conversation DR.. Good
ell, the distinguished missionary to Tur-
key tells us in his biography, that the
religious students of Dartmouth College,
in his Sophomore year, resolved that they
would speak to three of their fellow
students week on the subject of religion,
at the same time remembering them in
their prayers. They had hardly COM
menced to carry out their resolutions,
when the Holy Spirit was poured out,
and thirty times three held conversation
with them on this important subject -
Many, some Of whom became distinguish
ed In different professions, were converted.
Mr.. Moody, who has been SO success.
full in winning souls to Christ, says. 1T
always pays to sit down and talk with
the coolest and most indifferent persons
you encounter, and tell them of the
beauty and comfort of religion.
MIR. Sturgeon says Il do not believe
that you will speak to one person every
day during the year, affectionately and
prayerfully, without having reward in
the conversion of one at least
I'VE can quote many and remarkable
instances of the power of conversations
held with the impcnitent. The converse
tion that Charles Wesley had with White
HalX In fh~f IL "a $wAr Ia
hands, led him TO Christ 1t was the
conversation of Lieut.. Gardiner that led
Havelock, the distinguished British sold
Ter, to Christ, and that of Miner, that
led the distinguished statesman, WILDER
force, into the fold of God. The Princess
Alice when asked what first awakened
her interest in the Saviour replied: "a
poor Scotch christian talked to me about
the gospel, and since then / have been
able to say, / am saved. =
There are two uses in religious con-
versation, MISUNDERSTANDING and per-
suasion. Every christian should live SO
that he may be able to converse, intelli-
gently and convincingly, on the subject
of religion The subjects are many, and
every day increasing.
Three things at least are necessary
freedom tact and affection. There must
be freedom in speaking what is in our
mind. Times of religious interest, such
as those through which we are now pass
ing, allow US to speak thus freely. Many
who are usually unapproachable on the
subject of religion are now waiting for
some one to talk to them The christian
who embraces the opportunity in the
proper manner, and with kindness and
affection, can do great deal of good
That tact is needed to present the subject
of religion, is shown by the anxious
mother, who wearied her boy by unceas-
ing appeals to turn to the Lord. He de
clared that he left his home to get rid of
his mothers talk. Tact was shown by
bis christian employer, who, on the first
morning in his employ, spoke to him on
the subject of religion and won his heart
to Christ
THE following rules have been given
for religious conversation: BE gentle,
humble, of few words, pertinent, persua.
sive.
'tSaid distinguished man: 81 keep 81.
lence on many subjects, for | would not
mislead men," Let the christian speak
on subjects he has thoroughly considered
and whose power he has felt in his own
experience, and he may do much good